MN DOC Facility Parenting Classes

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking proposals for parenting and family skills education programs to be delivered in eight state correctional facilities. The Request for Proposals (RFP) targets programs that will provide 24-hour educational interventions for incarcerated male and female parents or co-parents, with the goal of improving parental skills and potentially reducing recidivism. Targeted facilities include MCF locations in Faribault, Lino Lakes, Oak Park Heights, Rush City, St. Cloud, Shakopee, Stillwater, and Moose Lake. Providers must offer cohort-based classes with 12-25 participants, covering specific topic areas such as children's needs, co-parenting strategies, and parent-child communication. The evaluation process will utilize a points-based system allocating 1000 total points across work plan (350 points), qualifications and experience (350 points), and cost detail (300 points). The proposal submission deadline is April 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM Central Time, with contract award expected by June 1, 2025. The anticipated contract term is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with potential extensions up to three additional years.

The RFP includes specific provisions for diversity and inclusion, offering potential preference points for veteran-owned businesses, targeted group businesses, and those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Small businesses and those owned by racial minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to participate. Respondents must be registered as bidders or suppliers in the SWIFT Supplier portal, with electronic submissions being the only acceptable method of proposal delivery. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the DOC reserves the right to make multiple contract awards and negotiate with top-scoring respondents. Providers must demonstrate capability to deliver comprehensive parenting education, including pre- and post-assessments, and utilize diverse teaching strategies to engage participants. The procurement emphasizes a holistic approach to supporting incarcerated parents in developing stronger family connections and personal development skills through structured educational programming.